FoodScore
0/ 100
PoordairyCheetos· None

Cheetos Crunchy Party Size Cheese Flavored Snacks 18.5 Ounce Plastic Bag

Cheetos Crunchy Party Size Cheese Flavored Snacks received a FoodScore of 37/100 (Poor), primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and high sodium content.

  • This product scores 37/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
  • It is classified as NOVA 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
  • A significant concern is the high sodium content, at 892.86mg per 100g.
  • Compared to generic dairy, Cheetos offers minimal beneficial dairy nutrients.
  • Consider this product for occasional consumption in small portions due to its nutritional density.
  • Scores +4 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
3.61g
13% of Daily Value
Protein
7.14g
14% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
892.86mg
39% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.6g)+3
Protein (7.1g)+3
Micronutrients (Riboflavin)+2
What holds it back
Saturated fat (5.4g)-4
Sodium (892.9mg)-4
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3

Why it scores 37

Cheetos Crunchy Party Size Cheese Flavored Snacks earned a FoodScore of 37 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is largely influenced by its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant penalty. The product also faces penalties for its high sodium content of 892.86mg per 100g and 5.36g of saturated fat per 100g. While it contains some protein (7.14g) and fiber (3.61g) per 100g, these bonuses are outweighed by the penalties. The ingredient list includes Enriched Corn Meal and Vegetable Oil (Corn, Canola, and/or Sunflower Oil) as primary components, contributing to its caloric density. Compared to a generic dairy equivalent, which would typically provide calcium and protein without high levels of sodium or saturated fat, Cheetos offers a different nutritional profile, lacking the micronutrient benefits commonly associated with dairy.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in cheetos crunchy party size cheese flavored snacks 18.5 ounce plastic bag actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Source of Iron

This product provides 1.29mg of iron per 100g, contributing 7% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral involved in oxygen transport and energy metabolism. While not a primary source, Cheetos can contribute a small amount of iron to the diet, which is important for maintaining healthy red blood cells and preventing iron deficiency.

Contains Dietary Fiber

Cheetos Crunchy Party Size Cheese Flavored Snacks contain 3.61g of dietary fiber per 100g. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health and can help maintain bowel regularity. While this amount is not exceptionally high, it does offer a modest contribution to daily fiber intake, which is often below recommended levels in the American diet.

Provides Some Protein

With 7.14g of protein per 100g, this product offers a small amount of this macronutrient. Protein is crucial for muscle repair and growth, and for the production of enzymes and hormones. While not a primary protein source, this contribution can be a minor part of overall protein intake when consumed as an occasional snack.

How to eat it

Cheetos Crunchy Party Size Cheese Flavored Snacks are typically consumed as a standalone snack, often in social settings or during leisure time. The 'party size' suggests larger portions, which can easily lead to overconsumption of calories and sodium. They are not usually integrated into meals.

To manage sodium intake, consider pairing a small portion of Cheetos with unsalted vegetables like carrot sticks or cucumber slices.
Practice mindful eating by portioning out a small serving into a bowl rather than eating directly from the large bag.
Balance the high fat and sodium content by consuming this product infrequently and in moderation, perhaps once a week or less.
Things to keep in mind

The ingredient list for Cheetos Crunchy Party Size Cheese Flavored Snacks includes Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer that some individuals report sensitivity to, experiencing symptoms like headaches or flushing. The product also contains Artificial Color (Yellow 6), which has been a subject of debate regarding its potential effects on behavior in some children. Individuals with milk allergies should avoid this product due to the presence of whey and cheddar cheese. The high sodium content (892.86mg per 100g) is a concern for individuals monitoring their blood pressure or those advised to follow a low-sodium diet.

Swap suggestions
Very good
MARANATHA, ORGANIC CREAMY ROASTED ALMOND BUTTER
Score85
Very good
MARANATHA, ORGANIC RAW ALMOND BUTTER CREAMY
Score85
Very good
MARANATHA, ORGANIC ROASTED CREAMY ALMOND BUTTER
Score85
Very good
MARANATHA ORGANIC CRUNCHY RAW ALMOND BUTTER, CRUNCHY
Score85
Very good
OPEN NATURE PEANUT BUTTER DATE BARS, PEANUT BUTTER
Score85
Very good
ONCE AGAIN CREAMY MAPLE SWEETENED MAPLE ALMOND BUTTER, CREAMY MAPLE SWEETENED
Score84
Reader questions
Is Cheetos Crunchy Party Size Cheese Flavored Snacks healthy?
Cheetos Crunchy Party Size Cheese Flavored Snacks received a FoodScore of 37/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile. It is classified as an ultra-processed food and is high in sodium and saturated fat. While it offers some fiber and protein, these do not outweigh the less favorable nutritional aspects for regular consumption.
How does Cheetos compare to other snack options?
Compared to a whole-food snack like a piece of fruit or a handful of unsalted nuts, Cheetos is significantly higher in sodium, saturated fat, and overall calories, and lower in beneficial micronutrients. When compared to other processed cheese snacks like Goldfish crackers, Cheetos generally has a similar nutritional profile, often with comparable levels of sodium and fat.
What is 'Enriched Corn Meal' and why is it in Cheetos?
Enriched Corn Meal is corn meal that has had certain nutrients, such as iron, niacin, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid, added back after processing. This enrichment helps restore some of the nutrients lost during the milling process and contributes to the product's overall nutritional content, though it remains a refined grain.
What is a reasonable portion size for Cheetos?
Given the 'party size' packaging and high caloric density (535.71 calories per 100g), a reasonable portion size would be much smaller than what might be consumed directly from the bag. For occasional enjoyment, consider a small, measured serving of about 28-30g, which would provide approximately 150-160 calories and about 250mg of sodium.
Can Cheetos be part of a balanced diet?
While Cheetos can be included in a balanced diet, it should be consumed infrequently and in very small portions due to its ultra-processed nature, high sodium, and saturated fat content. It is best viewed as an occasional treat rather than a regular dietary staple, prioritizing nutrient-dense foods for daily intake.
Are there any allergens in this product?
Yes, Cheetos Crunchy Party Size Cheese Flavored Snacks contain milk, as indicated by ingredients like whey and cheddar cheese. Individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance should avoid this product to prevent allergic reactions or digestive discomfort. Always check the ingredient label for the most current allergen information.

Explore more

CategoryAll dairy & alternatives BrandAll Cheetos SKUs Competitor · 61/100FIBER ONE CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CHEWY BARS, CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER Competitor · 61/100MUSCLE MILK LEAN MUSCLE PROTEIN POWDER, CHOCOLATE Head-to-headCheetos Crunchy Party Size Cheese Flavored Snacks 18.5 Ounce Plastic Bag vs. Blue Cheese Head-to-headCheetos Crunchy Party Size Cheese Flavored Snacks 18.5 Ounce Plastic Bag vs. Cheddar cheese Head-to-headCheetos Crunchy Party Size Cheese Flavored Snacks 18.5 Ounce Plastic Bag vs. FIBER ONE CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CHEWY BARS, CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER Head-to-headCheetos Crunchy Party Size Cheese Flavored Snacks 18.5 Ounce Plastic Bag vs. MUSCLE MILK LEAN MUSCLE PROTEIN POWDER, CHOCOLATE Fits dietCarnivore diet →

Data & references